Respiratory monitoring, diagnostic and therapeutic system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

CROSS-REFERENCES

The present application is a continuation-in-part of patent applicationSer. No. 10/693,115 filed on Oct. 24, 2003 entitled “A RespiratoryMonitoring, Diagnostic and Therapeutic System” currently pending and acontinuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/725,920 filed onDec. 1, 2003 and patent application Ser. No. 10/823,941 filed on Apr.14, 2004 both entitled “A Self-Condensing pH Sensor”. These applicationsare incorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of art to which this invention relates is in the monitoring ofcertain parameters and transfer of such information to facilitatetherapeutic treatment for patients suffering from respiratory diseases,such as asthma. More specifically, the present invention monitors the pHlevel of a patient's breath and provides data for determining thefrequency and volume of a therapeutic dose to be administered to theasthmatics' airways.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, it has been reported that the monitoring of acidity or pH of apatient's breath could help physicians in estimating the degree of airpassage inflammation in the lungs, now considered a key contributor toasthma and other respiratory conditions. Asthma is characterized bysymptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness ofbreath. Manifestations include constriction (the tightening of themuscles around the airways) and inflammation (the swelling andirritation of the airways) that can be triggered through exposure tosmoking, dust mites, pets, activity, cold, infection, weather, pollen,etc.

A clinical study of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), bronchiectasis and asthma demonstrated more acidic levels inCOPD and bronchiectasis patients, which is indicative of the chronicinflammation that these patients experience. This study also observed anincrease acidic level measured from the breath of patients sufferingfrom moderate asthma when compared to mild forms of the disease. It wasalso found that the asthmatics' breath was much more acidic duringasthma attacks, but normalized after anti-inflammatory medication wasadministered.

This data suggests that the monitoring of an asthmatics' breath for pHmight be an effective way to measure the degree of inflammation in theair passages. Furthermore, this data suggests that close monitoring ofan asthmatic's breath pH could lead to prompt and effective treatment,minimizing the occurrence of asthma attacks and provide overall bettermanagement.

It is estimated that 18-26 million people in the United Stated sufferfrom asthmatic conditions. It is also believed that over 5.6 million ofthese asthma suffers are under the age of 18, ranking this disease asthe 8^(th) worst chronic condition.

Studies have also shown that gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)induced asthma affects approximately 40% of the US Adult Population andthat 60-80 percent of all asthma patients have GERD. Gastro-esophagealreflux is a condition in which gastric acid refluxes from the stomachand into the esophagus. Frequent reflux episodes may result in apotentially severe problem known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease.GERD is the most common cause of dyspepsia or heartburn. GERD can alsomanifest in the micro-aspiration of acid from the esophagus and into thelungs, damaging tissue, and causing swelling and irritation of the vagusnerve. This irritation of the vagus nerve, which is common to both theesophagus and the bronchial tree, causes constriction of the airways.Acid refluxes past the lower esophageal sphincter and causes anatomicaldamage, sleep disordered breathing, and dietary affects. It has alsobeen found that bronchial dilators can relax the lower esophagealsphincter and trigger GERD induced asthmatic conditions. Sleep apnea hasalso been found to trigger reflux events.

Current pH monitoring suffers from the following drawbacks, 1) invasiveprocedure, 2) not well tolerated by some patients, 3) catheter orcapsule placement must be performed by a physician, 4) capsule cannot beplaced above the Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) and 5) there are nodefined standards (DeMeester Score) for UES evaluation.

Accordingly, there is a need in this art for a novel, pH monitoring maskwith electronic or wireless communication linked to a processingreceiver that activates a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier fortreating asthmatic or other respiratory conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an invention for monitoring the pHlevel of a patient's breath in a typical mask and provides a means fortransferring this data to a processing receiver for diagnosing anddetermining the frequency and volume of a therapeutic dose to beadministered to a patient with a respiratory condition such as asthma.Monitoring of a patients' breath chemistry is provided by a system thatincludes a miniaturized pH sensor, provides for real-time monitoring ofpatient airway pH values, and utilizes solid state cooling toprecipitate moisture from a patient's breath.

A general respiratory mask is mounted with a miniaturized pH sensor anddata transfer means e.g. direct wiring or by providing a transmitterwith an antenna for wireless transferring of the pH data to a processingreceiver. The temperature of the pH sensor is lowered below the dewpoint of the exhaled patient breath by a solid-state Peltier junctionengaged on one side to a heat sink. A thermocouple is provided tomonitor the temperature of the sensor for more accurate pH calculations.Keeping the sensor temperature below the dew point will cause thepatient's exhaled breath to condense as a liquid in close proximity tothe surface of the sensor. It is commonly known that monitoring of pH issignificantly more accurate if measuring a condensed liquid. Atransmitter with an antenna transfers the observed pH data by employingone of many wireless methods, such as radio-frequency (RF) energy.Alternately, the transfer of observed pH data is accomplished by directwire methods.

The pH data is transferred or updated at specific intervals, which canbe varied according to the patient's needs, to the processing receiverthat is engaged to the treatment and humidifier apparatuses. Theprocessing receiver computes and diagnoses the chemistry data anddetermines what apparatus and at what frequency it should be activated.

The present invention mask is also fitted with a means to remove thecondensed liquid through an exhaust port or the connected pneumatic hoseto remove unnecessary and accumulated breath condensate.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescriptions and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of the present invention systems,showing the various components of the system, including a mask apparatusfitted with a heat sink and pH sensing means, a continuous positiveairway pressure (CPAP) device connected to the mask apparatus, aprocessing receiver electrically connected to the mask apparatus, and anebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device electrically connected to theprocessing receiver.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the general mask apparatusdemonstrating in more detail of the orientation and components of themask, and pH sensing means.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken from FIG. 1 demonstrating the generallocation of the pH sensor, cooling shank, thermocouple and fluid pool onthe sampling plate for condensing and containing a patient's breath.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view taken from FIG. 2 demonstrating in moredetail the relative locations of the heat sink, Peltier junction, bodyand head of cooling transfer shank, thermocouple, and pH sensor.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the treatmentnebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device, demonstrating a base unit havingan on/off switch, operating lights, a medicament storage container, andinterconnection for attaching the pneumatic hose.

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the general components in theprocessing receiver.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the sequential computational stepsemployed by the processing receiver.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a system and method for monitoringphysiological parameters from a patient's exhaled breath andcommunicates this information to a processing computer/receiver thatdiagnoses the information. The system can use computational instructionsto activate and de-activate an electrically connected treatmentnebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device, and can be integrated with acontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the present invention is a system 10 comprisedof several components. As shown in the Figure, a typical mask apparatus36 is fitted with a securing strap or typical headgear apparatus 38. Thetypical mask apparatus 36 is generally fabricated from a polymericand/or silicone material and configured to fit over a patient's nose, ornose and mouth, to assist in breathing conditions. The securing strap 38is made from a flexible material and is positioned around the patient'shead such that the mask substantially engages the patient's face andmouth area, minimizing ambient air from entering the boundaries of themask. It is contemplated by the Applicants that other maskconfigurations and types can be employed with the present invention toachieve the goal of monitoring, diagnosing and treating respiratoryconditions in patients.

Shown attached to the front of the typical mask apparatus 36 is a heatsink 34 with made generally from a material that has good heatconduction properties, such as certain metallic elements and alloys.Some candidates for the heat sink 34 and fins 35 are aluminum, copper,silver and gold. The heat sink 34 is fitted with fins 35 to increase thesurface area of the heat sink 34 to dispense heat generated by thesystem. The heat sink 34 is shown secured to the mask by screws 37 butcan also be attached with other commonly known methods, such asadhesives.

The typical mask apparatus 36 is connected to the exit port 22 of a CPAPdevice 16 by means of a pneumatic hose 18. The hose can be manufacturedfrom a variety of materials, including polymers such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or silicone. The material used for thehose should be resistant to water and acidic environments, and shouldnot interfere or interact with any medicaments employed in the presentinvention. CPAP air exits port 22 and travels along the length of thepneumatic host 18 to the internal sampling cavity created by the generalmask apparatus covering the patient's face. The CPAP device has acontrol means 20 for increasing and decreasing the volume of airgenerated by the apparatus and the output an optional humidificationdevice. The CPAP device and humidifier are powered by an electricalsource such as a standard plug 12 and cable 14.

Shown connected to the heat sink 34 is an electrical wire 29 thatcommunicates with a processing receiver 26.

Electrical wire 29 is typical in that the internal core comprises anelectrical conductive metallic material and is encased by anonconductive jacket. Processing receiver 26 is connected to the CPAPdevice 16 by an electrical wire 24 for controlling the activation of airgenerated by the CPAP device 16 and transferred to the typical maskapparatus 36. Also, an electrical connection by means of a wire 31 tothe processing receiver 26 is a treatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifierdevice 32. As an alternate method, a wireless means 40 can be utilizedinstead to communicate between the processing receiver 26 with anantenna 28 to the treatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32.Although not shown in detail in FIG. 1, a wireless means also can beemployed to communicate between the typical mask apparatus 36 and theprocessing receiver 26. In addition, a wireless means also can beemployed to communicate between the processing receiver 26 and the CPAPdevice 16. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, wireless meansfor communicating between various components can be accomplished usingradio frequency waves, microwaves, ultrasonic waves, or light optics.

The treatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32 is pneumaticallyconnected to hose 18 at some point along its length between the CPAPdevice 16 and the typical mask apparatus 36. The treatmentnebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32 has a medicament storage chamber33 where various types of therapeutic medicaments can be delivered tothe pneumatic system and to the patient at intervals commanded by theprocessing receiver 26.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of the general mask apparatusdemonstrating in more detail the orientation and components of the mask36, the heat sink 34 and the pH sensing means 46. When deployed, themask forms a sampling chamber 39 between the mask 36 and the patient'sfacial area that is in pneumatic connection with the patient'srespiratory system. This sampling chamber 39 contains a current sampleof the patient's breath that enters, through a one-way valve 42, andinto the condensing chamber 41 formed between the exterior mask surfaceand the back surface of the heat sink apparatus. The heat sink ismounted to the mask apparatus 36 by screws 37 or alternatively usingadhesive or other mounting technology.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken from FIG. 1 demonstrating the generallocation of the pH sensor, cooling shank, thermocouple and fluid pool onthe sampling plate for condensing and containing a patient's breath. Thesampling plate 43 functions to condense the patient's breath and form apool of liquefied breath such that the sensor is immersed in liquid andmonitors the pH level. The sampling plate 43 is generally manufacturedfrom a material that has good heat conduction properties, such ascertain metallic elements and alloys. Some candidates are aluminum,copper, silver and gold. FIG. 3 shows the general location of the pHsensor 46, cooling shank head 56, thermocouple 52 and fluid pool area 58for containing condensed breath. The pH sensor 46 is comprised from ametallic antimony or similar alloy that is fitted with a plurality ofwires or wireless means to communicate the analog pH informationmonitored by the sensor to a processing receiver 26. Similarly, thethermocouple is fabricated from standard metallic components and isfitted with a plurality of wires or wireless means to communicate theanalog temperature information monitored by the thermocouple to theprocessing receiver 26. The cooling shank head 56 is part of a coolingshank that penetrates the sampling plate 43 and ultimately engages thePeltier junction 50 (see FIG. 4). The cooling head 56 and body shank 54(see FIG. 4) is fabricated generally from a material that has good heatconduction properties, such as certain metallic elements and alloys.Some candidates are aluminum, copper, silver and gold. The cooling head56 is engaged to and reduces the temperature of the sampling plate 43and pooling area 58 to facilitate the condensation of breath into aliquid that pools in the pooling area 58 that covers and becomes exposedto the pH sensor 46. Shown here, both the thermocouple 52 and the pHsensor 46 are mounted within a lumen formed within the cooling shankhead 56. The thermocouple 52 is shown residing within the cooling shankhead 56. The pH sensor extends beyond the cooling head 56 and into thepooling area 58. The Applicant contemplates that other mountingpositions for the thermocouple 52 and pH sensor 46 can be employedwithout sacrificing any performance. For example, the sensor 46 can bemounted such that the head of the sensor enters the pooling area fromthe bottom and extends back through the back side of the sampling plate43, as shown in FIG. 4. If appropriate, holes 45 in sampling plate 43can be threaded to receive screws 37.

Within the collection region 47, the pooling area 58 shown in FIG. 3portrays a dumbbell shape. It is contemplated by the Applicant thatvarious other shapes, side curvatures and dimensions may be employed tofacilitate capturing the condensed breath and forming a pool of liquidthat immerses the head of the pH sensor 46.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional side view taken from FIG. 1 demonstratingin more detail the relative locations of the heat sink 34, thesolid-state Peltier junction 50, body 54 and head 56 of cooling transfershank, thermocouple 52, and pH sensor 46. As shown in this figure, thePeltier junction 50 engages the backside of heat sink 34. The Peltierjunction 50 is connected by wires 51 to a DC power source, such as abattery (not shown) that generally is in the range of 0.5 to 12 volts.The Peltier junction functions as a heat pump, removing heat from thecooling body shank 54 and head 56, thereby reducing its relativetemperature, and transferring the heat to the heat sink 34 and fins 35that dissipates it into the environment. As the Peltier junction reducesthe temperature of the cooling head and associated components, theadjoining pooling area 58 and sampling plate 43 temperatures are alsoreduced. The net effect of this operation is that the these metallicsurfaces have a temperature lower than the dew point, which causes thesampled breath to condense and form a pool of liquefied breath in thepooling area 58.

Electronic communication from the pH sensor wires 48 and thethermocouple wires 49 that are further connected to a wire or wirelessmeans for communication to the processing receiver 26. In the case of awireless means, wires 48 and 49 would terminate in an antenna (notshown) and communicate with an antenna associated with the processingreceiver 26.

Alternatively, a non-liquid pH sensing means, by which a direct pHmeasurement of non-condensed breath may be utilized, is contemplated bythe Applicants.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the treatmentnebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32, demonstrating a base unithaving a on/off switch 102, operating lights 104, a medicament chamber33, and interconnection 108 for attaching to the pneumatic hose 18. Thetreatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32 has an outer shellsurrounding various mechanical and electrical components that functionto deliver the therapeutic dose. The shell can be made of a variety ofmaterials, including plastics such as polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS,nylon, delrin, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The treatmentnebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32 communicates with the processingreceiver by direct wiring (not shown) or by use of wireless meansemploying an antenna means 110. The base unit and various components ofthe treatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier can be fabricated frompolymeric or metallic materials. Operating light 104 can consist of LED,LCD, fluorescent, or halide or other means to communicate suchconditions, as on/off, medicament chamber empty, etc. Also, theApplicant contemplates a plurality of operating lights can be employedhaving different functions. The art associated with atomization ofparticles and humidification processes are known in the art. Manycommercially available units can satisfy the basic requirements for thetreatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32. One such device isthe MicroAir portable ultrasonic nebulizer manufactured by OmronHealthcare, Inc. of Vernon Hills, Ill. This device can be modified orfabricated so that 1) it can be remotely activated by the processingreceiver 26, and 2) adapted to connect to the pneumatic tube by anappropriate connection 108 as shown in FIG. 5.

The medicament chamber 33 can contain liquid, gaseous or powderedtherapeutics that the treatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32is designed to administer to the pneumatic system upon instructions fromthe processing receiver 26. It is contemplated that the medicamentchamber 33 could include a plurality of medicaments in variouscompartments in the medicament chamber 33. It is also contemplated thattreatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device 32 can select toadminister one or more, or in a combination, multiple medicaments storedin the medicament chamber 33.

FIG. 6 is a simplified electrical schematic of the general components inthe processing receiver 26. In the center is the microprocessor 70 thatprocesses the information supplied by the thermocouple and sensor anduse internal instructions to control other devices. The microprocessorhas an EEPROM memory section that allows for specific programming to beincorporated as processing instructions. Furthermore, the microprocessormust have the capability to convert analog signals into digitalinformation for decoding and processing. An example of a microprocessorthat could be used in the processing receiver 26 is the PIC16F876 28-pin8-Bin CMOS FLASH micro-controllers manufactured by Microchip Technology,Inc. This particular microprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bankfor flash memory of specific instructions and utilizes a 35-wordinstruction set. It also has five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs thatare necessary for converting the information obtained from the pH sensor46 and thermocouple 52 from its analog format into a digitized form forprocessing by the instruction sets of the microprocessor 70.

The microprocessor 70 includes a timing crystal 72 used for clockingoperations and is connected to and energized by an approximate 12 voltpower supply 69. Also included in the circuit is a power transistor 66with an electrical connection to the 12-volt power supply, a 5-voltregulator 68, and a ground 78.

The sensor analog data that is communicated either through direct wiringor through a wireless means that is then amplified by a circuit 74 andconnected to the microprocessor 70 through one of the analog-to-digitalmodules.

In addition, the thermocouple analog data that is communicated eitherthrough direct wiring or through a wireless means that is amplified bycircuit 76 and connected to the microprocessor 70 through another one ofthe analog-to-digital modules.

In certain embodiments, the transmitted data can be recorded, compressedand stored as it is received using a memory chip set or memory circuitwithin the microprocessor (not shown). Subsequently, the data stored canbe downloaded into an external data retrieval device, which can be acomputer or other analysis machine.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate flowcharts showing the sequential computationalsteps employed by the processing receiver 26. As described above, themicroprocessor 70 has an EEPROM memory section that allows for specificprogramming to be incorporated as processing instructions. The stepsprogrammed in the microprocessor 70 are outlined in the flowcharts,starting with the 1) monitoring of breath chemistry 120 without CPAPsupport (FIG. 7) 2) the monitoring of breath chemistry and breathingrates (122) when CPAP supported (FIG. 8). The analog informationobtained from the sensor and the thermocouple is converted to digitalinformation and transferred to the microprocessor. The microprocessoruses the thermocouple data to calculate an accurate pH level that isstored in a registry. Optionally, this data can be diagnosed by themicroprocessor 140 and stored in a memory bank whereby themicroprocessor can create diagnostic reports 150.

The stored data is then compared to a threshold value or range 160programmed in the instruction set of the microprocessor 70. For example,if the pH level does not reach the threshold value, then no actions areperformed and the instruction set loops back to read breath chemistry(FIG. 7) or breath chemistry and monitor breathing rates (FIG. 8). Ifthe pH level reaches the threshold value, then the microprocessor 70determines the appropriate therapy 170.

These computational steps can be continued over and over again todetect, record, analyze and administer the appropriate therapeuticregime to manage patients with certain respiratory conditions.

The present invention will: 1) Monitor; 2) Diagnose; 3) Treat arespiratory disease, with and without CPAP therapy.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

1. A system for monitoring a respiratory condition: an apparatus forexposing a sensor to an individual's breath; a processing receiver; andsaid sensor providing a continuous real-time communication indicative ofa parameter of said individual's breath.
 2. The system as recited inclaim 1, wherein said apparatus is a general mask.
 3. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein said sensor is designed to monitor pH. 4.The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said respiratory condition isasthma.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said communicationis accomplished by a plurality of wires.
 6. The system as recited inclaim 1, wherein said communication is accomplished by a wireless means.7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes ameans to condense the individual's breath to form a liquid pool in closeproximity to said sensor.
 8. The system as recited in claim 7, whereinsaid apparatus has a means to continuously circulate and replace saidsample of liquefied breath with a fresh sample of liquefied condensedbreath.
 9. A system for monitoring and diagnosing a respiratorycondition: an apparatus for exposing a sensor to an individual's breath;a processing receiver; said sensor providing a continuous real-timecommunication indicative of a parameter of said individual's breath;said sensor in communication with said receiver; and said processingreceiver processing said information for determining various diagnoses.10. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said apparatus is ageneral mask.
 11. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein saidrespiratory condition is asthma.
 12. The system as recited in claim 9,wherein said communication is accomplished by a plurality of wires. 13.The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said communication isaccomplished by a wireless means.
 14. The system as recited in claim 9,wherein said sensor is designed to monitor pH.
 15. The system as recitedin claim 9, wherein said apparatus includes a means to condense theindividual's breath to form a liquid pool in close proximity to saidsensor.
 16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein said apparatushas a means to continuously circulate and replace said sample ofliquefied breath with a fresh sample of liquefied condensed breath. 17.A system for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating a respiratorycondition: an apparatus for exposing a sensor to an individual's breath;a processing receiver; said sensor providing a continuous real-timecommunication indicative of a parameter of said individual's breath;said sensor in a first real-time communication with said receiver; saidprocessing receiver processing said information for determining variousdiagnoses and treatments; and said processing receiver in a secondcommunication with at least one treatment device to administer at leastone therapeutic dose.
 18. The system as recited in claim 17, whereinsaid apparatus is a general mask.
 19. The system as recited in claim 17,wherein said respiratory condition is asthma.
 20. The system as recitedin claim 17, wherein said first communication is accomplished by aplurality of wires.
 21. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein saidfirst communication is accomplished by a wireless means.
 22. The systemas recited in claim 17, wherein said second communication isaccomplished by a plurality of wires.
 23. The system as recited in claim17, wherein said second communication is accomplished by a wirelessmeans.
 24. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein said sensor isdesigned to monitor pH.
 25. The system as recited in claim 17, whereinsaid treatment is a biocompatible agent capable of neutralizing anacidic condition.
 26. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein saidtreatment is sodium bicarbonate.
 27. The system as recited in claim 17,further comprising a communication between said processing receiver anda nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier.
 28. The system as recited in claim 17,further comprising a third communication between said processingreceiver and a continuous positive airway pressure device.
 29. Thesystem as recited in claim 17, wherein said apparatus includes a meansto condense the individual's breath to form a liquid pool in closeproximity to said sensor.
 30. The system as recited in claim 29, whereinsaid apparatus has a means to continuously circulate and replace saidsample of liquefied breath with a fresh sample of liquefied condensedbreath.
 31. An apparatus for monitoring breath chemistry comprising: asensor; a solid-state cooling means, said cooling means in physicalengagement with said sensor; a collection pool; said cooling meansreducing the temperature of said sensor below the dew point of apatient's breath such that the patient's breath condenses into a liquidthat fills said collection pool; and said sensor immersed in saidliquefied breath in said collection pool.
 32. An apparatus as recited inclaim 31, further comprising an exit means to expel and replenish saidcollection pool with fresh liquefied patient's breath condensate.
 33. Amethod of monitoring a respiratory condition: monitoring a chemicalparameter of a patient's breath with a sensor; and communicating saidchemical parameter in real-time under a sampling frequency from saidsensor to a computing receiver.
 34. A method of monitoring anddiagnosing a respiratory condition: monitoring a chemical parameter of apatient's breath with a self-condensing sensor; communicating saidchemical parameter in real-time under a sampling frequency from saidsensor to a computing receiver; and processing said chemical parameterinformation by a computing receiver to diagnose a patients' breathchemistry.
 35. A method of monitoring, diagnosing and treating arespiratory condition: monitoring a chemical parameter of a patient'sbreath with a sensor; communicating said chemical parameter in real-timeunder a sampling frequency from said sensor to a computing receiver;processing said chemical parameter information by a computing receiverto diagnose a patients' breath chemistry. performing a function on theoccurrence of a threshold level; and communicating with a treatmentnebulizer/atomizer/humidifier such that when the chemical parameterthreshold level is reached, said computing receiver instructs saidtreatment nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier to dispense one or moremedicaments.
 36. A method of monitoring a respiratory condition:exposing a sensor to an environment that assesses a chemical parameterof the breath of a patient; transferring in real-time said chemicalparameter information to a processing receiver; and converting thechemical parameter information communicated to the processing receiverto a digitized format.
 37. A method of monitoring and diagnosing arespiratory condition: exposing a sensor to an environment that assessesa chemical parameter of the breath of a patient; transferring inreal-time said chemical parameter information to a processing receiver;and converting the chemical parameter information communicated to theprocessing receiver to a digitized format to diagnose said chemicalparameter information.
 38. A method of monitoring, diagnosing andtreating a respiratory condition: exposing a sensor to an environmentthat assesses a chemical parameter of the breath of a patient;transferring in real-time said chemical parameter information to aprocessing receiver; converting the chemical parameter informationcommunicated to the processing receiver to a digitized format todiagnose said chemical parameter information; and processing saidchemical parameter information for determining various treatments.